The Digital Project Manager

Latest Episodes:

The Retro: How to Negotiate for The Salary You Deserve as a PM Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Landing a new project manager role is a huge achievement, but before you accept the offer, don’t skip the crucial step of negotiating your salary. Failing to negotiate can cost you millions over your career, yet many find the process intimidating and awkward.

Yonelly Gutierrez, Senior Project Manager at Palo Alto Networks and Founder of Velvet Vision, joins us to share her expert advice on negotiating with confidence. With her experience coaching women into $100K+ project management roles, she offers practical strategies for securing the compensation you deserve without the stress.

Resources from this episode:

Join DPM Membership
Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
Connect with Yonelly on LinkedIn
Check out Palo Alto Networks

How a Shared AI Mindset Can Drive Real Organizational Transformation Apr 22, 2025

Show notes

AI projects aren’t just another trend—they’re already reshaping workplaces in ways big and small. From HR to finance, employees are integrating AI into daily tasks, often without formal initiatives. Yet many organizations are still struggling to align teams and create a clear strategy for AI adoption. So, how can companies move from scattered, anxiety-driven adoption to a cohesive, strategic approach?

In this episode, host Galen Low sits down with Ron Schmelzer, Global Head of AI Partnerships at PMI, to explore how organizations can better support AI-driven projects. They discuss what it takes to get teams on the same page, manage AI’s impact on workflows, and create a mindset shift that ensures businesses thrive in this new wave of digital transformation.

Resources from this episode:

Join DPM Membership
Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
Connect with Ron on LinkedIn
Check out Project Management Institute

The Retro: How to Get Promoted and Become a Senior PM Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

Looking to land a senior project manager role but feeling stuck? You’re not alone. The path to senior PM isn’t always clear, and setbacks can be frustrating. In this episode, we break down what might be holding you back and how to position yourself for that next big opportunity.

Host Kelsey Alpaio sits down with Logan Langin, Senior Project Manager at Sanford Health, to discuss the mindset shifts and strategies that helped him make the leap. With experience running the “30 Days to PM” program, Logan shares practical insights to help you level up your career.

Resources from this episode:

Join DPM Membership
Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
Connect with Logan on LinkedIn
Check out Sanford Health

How to Pivot into Project Management from Any Career Background Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Thinking about pivoting into project management but feeling lost in a sea of acronyms and conflicting advice? You’re not alone. The path to becoming a PM can seem unclear, with vague skill requirements and misleading job descriptions making it even harder to break in.

Host Galen Low sits down with Barbara Kephart, founder of Projects Pivot, to cut through the confusion. They dive into what it really takes to transition into project management, how to decode industry jargon, and why community support is key to navigating this rewarding career shift.

Resources from this episode:

Join DPM Membership
Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
The PM Coffee Spot — the community for new and aspiring project people
Connect with Barbara on LinkedIn
Check out Projects Pivot
Projects Practice — learning management system

The Retro: How to Transition into a Project Management Role Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Breaking into project management can feel overwhelming, but the biggest challenge isn’t lack of experience—it’s learning to translate your skills effectively.

In this episode, host Kelsey Alpaio speaks with Ogaga Johnson, founder and CEO of Verisult, about how professionals can position themselves for their first PM role. Ogaga emphasizes the importance of a strategic job search, focusing on industries where your background provides a natural entry point. Whether you’re transitioning careers or formalizing your PM skills, this episode provides actionable steps to land your first role.

Resources from this episode:

Join DPM Membership
Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
Connect with Ogaga on LinkedIn and Instagram
Check out Verisult

How to Master the Delicate Art of Not Knowing Everything as a Technical PM Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

How technical do you really need to be as a technical project manager in 2025? Host Galen Low sits down with Kayla Keizer, Team Lead and Senior Technical PM at Plank, to explore the balance between technical know-how and leadership skills.

They discuss how PMs can thrive without mastering every technology their teams use, and how leaders can foster high-impact project managers without requiring a DevOps degree. Tune in for insights on mentoring, growth, and navigating the evolving role of technical PMs.

Resources from this episode:

Join DPM Membership
Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
Connect with Kayla on LinkedIn
Check out Plank

What’s Coming Up for The Digital Project Manager and The DPM Podcast Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

Can playing The Sims help people build career skills? For Kelsey Alpaio, Executive Editor of The Digital Project Manager and new co-host of the DPM Podcast, the answer is yes. In this episode, we introduce Kelsey and discuss how she’s bringing fresh perspectives on industry trends, career navigation, and professional growth to the DPM community.

Host Galen Low gives listeners a sneak peek into the exciting new directions for the podcast and beyond. From career storytelling to industry insights, get ready for a revamped DPM experience with Kelsey on board!

Resources from this episode:

Join DPM Membership
Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
Connect with Kelsey on LinkedIn

How to Create a Policy and Process for Ending Toxic Client Relationships Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Dealing with a toxic client can drain your team, hurt your business, and feel impossible to escape. But what if the problem isn’t you—it’s them? If you’re stuck in a difficult client relationship and unsure what to do next, this episode is for you.

Host Galen Low is joined by agency expert Melissa Morris to discuss when and how to fire a client, along with strategies for protecting your team and business. Tune in to learn how to navigate tough client dynamics and set your agency up for success.

Resources from this episode:

Join DPM Membership
Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn
Check out Agency Authority
Book a free discovery call with Melissa

Beyond Prompts: How to Use AI for Smarter Project Management Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Generative AI is everywhere—transforming industries, dominating conversations, and yet, for many, it’s still just a tool for note-taking and meal planning. If you’re a project professional feeling stuck in a GenAI rut, this episode is for you.

Host Galen Low sits down with AI expert Kathleen Walch to explore how project managers can move beyond basic chatbot use, rethink their AI approach, and unlock new career opportunities. Tune in to discover what GenAI truly has to offer beyond prompt engineering.

Resources from this episode:

Join DPM Membership
Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
Connect with Kathleen on LinkedIn
Check out The Project Management Institute and AI Today Podcast

How to Build Impactful Rapport With Your Clients Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Trust isn’t free—especially when you inherit a project that's completely off the rails. But instead of going in guns blazing, what if you could build trust with authenticity and strategic partnership?

Galen Low sits down with Melissa Morris, founder of Agency Authority, to discuss practical strategies for establishing trust, improving collaboration, and proving your value as a strategic partner. Whether you’re struggling with client rapport or looking to refine your approach, this conversation will give you the tools to strengthen relationships and keep your projects on track.

Resources from this episode: